The expeditions were part of the larger American Indian Wars and took place during the California Gold Rush.

[1] The Indian Agent, Colonel E. A. Stevenson, led the expedition to the Achomawi (Pit River), Atsugewi (Hat Creek) and Modoc to establish relations with them.

In 1857, George Crook, later US Civil War Officer and General led the second Pitt River Expedition as a first lieutenant.

Citizens requested Governor John B. Weller to call out State troops from the northern counties to remove the Indians from the mountains and place them on a reservation.

General Kibbe directed Captain Byrnes to carry out an expedition against the Indians in Tehama, Shasta, Plumas, and Butte counties.